Escape to nature all year round and experience the magic of staying in some truly Unique hideaways.
Words by Rebecca Hawkey
Cornwall is unique. That is perhaps a bit of an understatement but true nevertheless. Her hidden coves, her expansive verdant hills, her dense forestry, all of which make her a truly wonderous place to stay. The team at Unique hideaways have searched high and low for properties that are distinctly out of the ordinary. From glamping in the countryside with breath-taking views, to staying in the treetops surrounded only by birdsong and cloud. Unique hideaways understand the need for these hidden havens, allowing their guests to unwind, re-wild themselves and to go on a journey into nature, all the while resting in a slice of luxury.
Established in 2013, Unique hideaways was created from the same family that run Classic Cottages. Known as the wilder sister, you could say that Unique hideaways is the one who always wanted to explore new places. The family have over 40 years of experience in finding the best properties, ensuring their guests have the best retreat possible in locations across the UK. Their mantra is ‘every detail matters’, which is evident in the extremely high standard of property that Unique hideaways offers.
When we spoke with the team at Unique hideaways, they were enthusiastic about helping others make the most of the space they have. Locals who are looking to diversify their land pose a great opportunity for some marvellous escapes. Farmers in particular, who can no longer make their sole income through traditional farming methods but have land that they wish to monetise, are guided every step of the way in order to help them make the best of their property. It is all part of the ‘Field to Finish’ service that Unique hideaways offer, advising on the type of structure available, planning consultancy and even down to interior design.
We cannot discuss land use without first approaching the topic of sustainability and the environment. Bethany Wotton at Unique hideaways explains: “We consider the environment in all that we do. Glamping as a form of holidaying already has a lower impact on the environment, and because our guests are staying in nature, we want to ensure the environment is always respected. We are always helping owners to come up with ideas on how to reduce their environmental impact, whether that be advising what cleaning products to use or how they can incorporate solar energy into the running of their property. Many of our hideaways are ‘off-grid’, giving guests that true ‘back to nature experience’ while still promising a little bit of luxury.”
Unique hideaways are always looking to work alongside nature, rather than against it, encouraging guests to partake in activities like foraging, hikes, stargazing, rock pooling and wildlife tours, for those that forge a connection with the environment are more likely to want to protect it.
When marketing a property with Unique hideaways the owner can be sure to receive a bespoke, personal approach, with a team that dedicates the time, care and attention-to-detail that the property deserves. The team personally visit every site that they take on, creating a relationship with the owner in order to provide tailored advice, support and guidance along the way. Thanks to their vast experience in this field through Unique hideaways, as well as Classic Cottages, their fast-growing customer base can be rest assured that their team of passionate experts know what they are talking about, and can trust the experience and knowledge that they are ready to share. From structure types and planning, to statutory duties and interior design, they are on hand to take the stress away.
If that wasn’t reason enough to work with Unique hideways, the bespoke online owners’ portal allows potential owners to block out dates for private bookings, view feedback and monitor finances at the click of a button, removing the need to go through extensive phone calls or emails to find the information you need. Unique hideaways try their best to make it a seamless experience that works for everyone; Bethany was proud to say that they are a sole agency, meaning they do not work alongside other online travel agents, keeping their collection of stays one-of-a-kind.
When exploring stays with Unique hideaways I was impressed to discover that they really do offer some remarkably unique retreats, some of which I could only dream of staying in. From safari tents and treehouses, to houseboats, Airstreams and horseboxes, they really do have it all! Some have the luxurious addition of a hot tub, sea views and serene riverside firepits, whilst others are dog-friendly, meaning you won’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind, and the whole family can enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer, ready to explore from your front door.
The rugged, wild, raw beauty of Cornwall is what draws visitors to our shores in the millions every year, and that is not abating any time soon. Bethany explained that trend data showed the interest in UK staycations is consistently on the up and up, despite the relaxed requirements on international travel. Cornwall continues to be, and may always be, a number one holiday destination, especially when you factor in the popularity for glamping and unique stays. Post-covid, we as a population crave serenity and space, for the most part, which is exactly what Unique hideaways specialise in, and not just for the summer months. Cornwall is special throughout the year, and the team encourage guests to stay in these hideaways all year round to truly experience the wonder that Cornwall can offer from summer through to autumn and the depths of winter.
Unique hideaways is committed to providing the escape that everyone deserves by scoping out the hidden gems that Cornwall has to offer. I asked Bethany if they had a favourite area, and unsurprisingly it was impossible to choose! She says, “Our favourite area, this is a really tricky question, but if you are a beach lover then the further south you go the better! The sea gets bluer, the sand gets whiter, and it just feels even more out-of-this-world beautiful. We do also love the Helford and Roseland peninsula, it’s like another little world down there.”
Unique hideaways offers creativity and individuality behind each stay, where they truly make the most of the environment they are in, so don’t waste another moment and immerse yourself in the wonders of Cornwall’s miraculous coast.